This is part 3 of a 3-part article. Read Part 1 Here Read Part 2 Here The most accurate way, then, to diagram the American governmental system is to diagram the local system correctly, then the federal and state levels with their three branches each, separations of power and checks and balances. But how exactly does one diagram the local … [Read more...]
Archives for June 2010
Why Tribes are Vital to Success in the 21st Century, Part 3: Foundations of American Freedom
June 16, 2010 by 1 Comment
Why Tribes are Vital to Success in the 21st Century, Part 2: Freedom at the Local Level
June 15, 2010 by 1 Comment
This is part 2 of a 3-part article. Read Part 1 Here Civics 101 The first constitutions and governments in America were local, and there were hundreds of them. These documents were the basis of later state constitutions, and they were also the models in which early Americans learned to actively cooperate to govern themselves. Without … [Read more...]
Why Tribes are Vital to Success in the 21st Century, Part 1: Our Tribal Roots
June 14, 2010 by 1 Comment
This is part 1 of a 3-part article. Subsequent segments will be published daily. SETH GODIN'S RUNAWAY BESTSELLER Tribes took a quaint anthropological label and turned it into a pop culture buzz-word. And while his timely ideas helped articulate a fresh and needed approach to marketing and beyond, the power of tribal culture is far greater … [Read more...]
Sunday Poem: Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi
June 13, 2010 by 1 Comment
Explore the Sunday Poem archives here. The Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi Lord, make me an instrument of your peace, Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy; O Divine Master, grant that I … [Read more...]
If You Think Education Is Expensive…
June 12, 2010 by Leave a Comment
I once saw a bumper sticker that said, “If you think education is expensive, try ignorance.” Isn’t it interesting how much our lack of knowledge, or lack of the right resources, cost us in life? Whether it’s not knowing something about accounting, or real estate, or business, or economics, or even not knowing the right people. Many times … [Read more...]
The Dangers of Sociopathic Patriotism
June 11, 2010 by 1 Comment
One of the greatest challenges of our time is developing the ability to cut through the deliberate distortion and propagandizing of current events in order to see the world as it really is. A prime example would be the ongoing conflict in Gaza where openly lamenting the loss of innocent life is a sure invitation for hysterical charges of … [Read more...]
Lessons from Heiligenstadt: Beethoven’s Suffering & Triumph
June 8, 2010 by Leave a Comment
In 1802, one of the greatest musicians in history left Vienna and traveled about an hour’s carriage ride to the small town of Heiligenstadt. His purpose in traveling was not to meet with fellow musicians, or pursue musical opportunities. He had no family in this small town, and no friends to welcome him. Rather, he was greeted by loneliness, … [Read more...]
Sunday Poem: Opportunity by John James Ingalls
June 6, 2010 by Leave a Comment
Explore the Sunday Poem archives here. Opportunity John James Ingalls Master of human destinies am I; Fame, love and fortune on my footsteps wait. Cities and fields I walk. I penetrate Deserts and seas remote, and, passing by Hovel and mart and palace, soon or late, I knock unbidden once at every gate. If sleeping, wake; if feasting, rise, … [Read more...]
Burst Through Obstacles By Feeding Your Thoughts
June 4, 2010 by Leave a Comment
Thoughts are a remarkable source of power and energy when you harness them. As we become aware of what we are thinking and begin to recognize that our attitudes and actions follow thought, we can begin to make better choices about what we “feed” our thoughts. “You are today where your thoughts have brought you; you will be tomorrow where your … [Read more...]
Beyond the Vote, Part 4: The Big Decision
June 3, 2010 by Leave a Comment
This is part 4 of a 4-part article. Read Part 1 Here Read Part 2 Here Read Part 3 Here The answer to these questions is for citizens to begin to study and think a lot more about government and to stop ignoring freedom by leaving it to the political professionals. Unless regular people realize that freedom is up to them, not the experts, … [Read more...]
